Who is Mike Dixon Age UK? An overview of his role
Mike Dixon is a respected trustee who was appointed to the Age UK Board in October 2017. His involvement is not just a ceremonial position; he is a chartered accountant who leverages decades of experience in both the private and non-profit sectors to provide robust oversight. His primary focus at Age UK is on financial governance, ensuring the charity's resources are managed effectively and ethically to serve older people across the UK. In addition to his board responsibilities, he has also served in other leadership capacities within the organisation's related entities, further solidifying his commitment to the cause.
Career background and transition to charity work
Before dedicating more of his time to voluntary and community roles, Mike Dixon built a distinguished career in finance and leadership. His professional journey includes senior financial and leadership positions at prominent organisations such as PWC, HSBC, and the Charities Aid Foundation. This extensive background equipped him with a unique blend of corporate discipline and charitable insight. Following his retirement from his role as Director of Finance and Performance at RBLI, he transitioned his focus towards voluntary work, bringing his valuable skills to charities like Age UK. This shift represents a common trend among seasoned professionals who seek to use their expertise for social good in their later years.
Contributions to Age UK
As a trustee, Mike Dixon's contributions extend beyond simple financial reporting. His oversight ensures that Age UK maintains high standards of financial integrity, which is crucial for public trust and effective fundraising. His work on the Strategic Finance Committee helps shape the charity's long-term fiscal health, allowing it to plan and deliver vital services with confidence.
Some of his key contributions include:
- Strengthening Financial Governance: By applying his chartered accountant expertise, he helps establish and maintain rigorous financial controls and policies, safeguarding the charity's funds.
- Strategic Financial Planning: His experience in senior financial roles contributes to the long-term strategic planning of Age UK, ensuring sustainable growth and impact.
- Enhancing Oversight: His role on various boards and committees provides crucial oversight, ensuring accountability and risk management are prioritised.
Broader impact on the not-for-profit sector
Mike Dixon's commitment to the not-for-profit sector is not limited to Age UK. His extensive experience includes trustee positions at other notable charities, showcasing a deep and long-standing dedication to using his skills for public benefit. He was previously a trustee of With You (formerly Addaction), a mental health and substance abuse charity, and Future Care Capital, which focuses on health and care sector transformation. This broad experience in charity governance provides a valuable perspective that benefits his work at Age UK and demonstrates his ongoing passion for making a difference.
Comparison: Commercial vs. Charity Leadership
While both sectors demand strong leadership, the motivations and metrics for success differ. Mike Dixon's career highlights his ability to transition effectively between these worlds.
| Aspect | Commercial Sector (e.g., HSBC, PwC) | Charity Sector (e.g., Age UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Maximise profit for shareholders | Maximise social impact for beneficiaries |
| Metrics of Success | Revenue, market share, return on investment | Number of people helped, quality of services, fundraising efficiency |
| Resource Constraints | Driven by market forces and competition | Reliant on donations, grants, and limited trading income |
| Focus of Governance | Risk management, shareholder value, market compliance | Financial integrity, mission alignment, public trust |
| Stakeholder Management | Investors, employees, customers | Beneficiaries, volunteers, donors, regulatory bodies |
The importance of an experienced trustee
Charities operate in a complex environment, facing both financial pressures and high public expectations. Having experienced professionals like Mike Dixon on the board is essential for sound governance. His background helps Age UK navigate financial complexities, ensure robust internal controls, and maintain the trust of its donors and the public. His financial acumen allows the charity to allocate its funds efficiently, maximising its social impact and ensuring its long-term viability. This expert oversight is a cornerstone of responsible charity management and is vital for Age UK's continued success.
A focus on mission and values
Ultimately, the work of trustees like Mike Dixon is driven by Age UK's core mission: to improve later life for everyone. While his specific expertise is financial, every decision and action he takes is viewed through the lens of serving the charity's mission. By ensuring the organisation is financially sound, he enables the frontline staff and volunteers to deliver critical services—from advice lines and befriending services to campaigning for older people's rights—without concern for the charity's stability. His governance ensures that Age UK can continue to be a voice and a source of support for older people for years to come.
To learn more about the governance of Age UK, you can visit the official Trustees page on the Age UK website.
Conclusion
Mike Dixon is a pivotal member of Age UK's leadership, serving as a trustee since 2017. His chartered accountancy background and extensive experience across the commercial and non-profit sectors provide the board with critical financial expertise. By focusing on strong financial governance, he helps ensure the charity can effectively and responsibly pursue its mission of supporting older people. His dedication to using his professional skills for social good is a valuable asset to Age UK and a testament to the importance of committed and skilled leadership in the charitable sector.
